Monroe County
Home to the Florida Keys, Monroe County is a hotspot for tourists around the world. The county features gorgeous beaches, beautiful tropical islands, and a booming nightlife. However, because 99.9% of the county’s population lives in the Keys that means they are the most susceptible to hurricanes and other natural disasters. Even a high tide could spell danger for Monroe County homes and businesses.
With so much at stake, insurance is vital to Monroe County residents. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will do anything possible to deny full compensation and minimize coverage. Especially if there’s been a surge in claims filed due to a large storm or natural disaster. If your insurance is wrongfully disputing or denying your property damage claim, we urge you to consult with an experienced insurance law attorney as soon as possible.
Florida Keys Property Insurance Attorney
There’s no need to go back and forth with your insurance agent if negotiations are going nowhere. Instead of talking in circles, we suggest you hire an experienced Key West insurance lawyer such as Michael Germain of Germain Law Group, P.A.. Attorney Germain has over a decade’s worth of insurance law practice under his belt and now almost exclusively handles property damage claim issues for the policyholder. He can assess the merits of your claim and then go over your legal options with you.
Call Germain Law Group, P.A. today to schedule your first consultation. Germain Law Group, P.A. accepts clients throughout the Florida Keys and Monroe County area including Key West, Marathon, Key Colony beach, Islamorada, Layton, Key Largo, North Key Largo, Big Pine Key, and other islands.
Information Center:
- Can I Sue an Insurance Company in Florida?
- Insurance Resources in Monroe County, FL
- How Much is the Average Homeowner Insurance in Monroe County
- Other Civil Matters We Handle
- Monroe County Cities We Serve
Can I Sue an Insurance Company in Florida?
If your insurer is in breach of contract, then yes, your insurer can be held liable for damages. They must also adhere to the rules set forth in the Florida Insurance Code and Department of Insurance Regulations. Violating these guidelines opens the insurance company up to an administrative penalty by the Department of Insurance Regulation, but also a possible lawsuit by any policyholder who has experienced loss because of those violations.
According to the Insurance Code and Department of Insurance Regulation, insurance companies must handle every claim they receive in good faith. Meaning the insurance company must extend their greatest effort to determine if the claim is within policy provisions, investigate said claim thoroughly, offer a fair and equitable settlement, and then send a settlement check in a timely manner.
Insurance companies that willfully break these rules are considered to be engaging in bad faith practices. Any insurance company engaging in bad faith practices can be held liable for damages. The Florida Insurance Code identifies some bad faith practices that are considered illegal under state law. Some examples of these bad faith practices include:
- Not communicating with the policyholder in a timely manner
- Not sending a settlement check or failing to send it in punctual manner
- Failing to conduct a proper investigation according to the standard according to the insurance Code
- Denying a claim without a proper investigation or a reason in writing
- Offer a low-ball settlement way less than what the claim is worth
Insurance Resources in Monroe County, FL
16th Judicial Circuit Court | Monroe County Courthouse – Visit the official website for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court to learn more about how they have jurisdiction over the Florida Keys and Monroe County. Access the site to find court resources, directions to the Monroe County courthouse, who the current justices are, and the current court calendar.
Monroe County Clerk of the Court – Visit the official website of the Monroe County Clerk, Kevin Madok, and use their various online services. Access the site to read their public notices, file a document online, pay a court payment, and other important information.
Florida Insurance Code– Visit the official website for Florida’s laws and legislation to learn more about the insurance rules and regulations set forth by the state. Access the site to learn more about policyholder rights, the limit of liability, and other important information.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation – Visit the official website for the Office of Insurance Regulation in Florida. Access the site to learn the regulations set forth for insurance companies, how they enforce these rules for both policyholders and insurance companies, and other important information that may be useful.
Insurance Institute Information (III) – Visit the official website of the Insurance Information Institute (III), the largest online source for insurance in the nation. Access the site to read industry reports in Florida, articles about common insurance disputes, and news about insurance law around the United States.
ICA | Insurance Consumer Advocate – Visit the official website for the Chief Financial Order (CFO) of Florida to learn more about the current Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA). Learn more about the current ICA, Tasha Carter, how she educated policyholders and serves as a voice of the consumer for the everyday Floridian.
How Much is the Average Homeowners Insurance in Monroe County, FL?
| Home Value in Monroe County, FL | Percentage of Total Overall | Avg. Rate |
| Less than $50,000 | 10.0% | $66 |
| $50,000 to $59,999 | 1.0% | $158 |
| $60,000 to $69,999 | 1.0% | $198 |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 2.0% | $264 |
| $90,000 to $99,999 | 1.0% | $290 |
| $100,000 to $124,999 | 4.0% | $343 |
| $125,000 to $149,999 | 2.0% | $422 |
| $150,000 to $174,999 | 8.0% | $501 |
| $175,000 to $199,999 | 4.0% | $580 |
| $200,000 to $249,999 | 15.0% | $712 |
| $250,000 to $299,999 | 15.0% | $871 |
| $300,000 to $399,999 | 31.0% | $1095 |
Other Civil Matters We Handle
- Fraudulent Inducement
- Wage Garnishment
- Construction Defect Litigation
- Invasion of Property
- Debt Collection
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
- Deceptive Trade Practices
- General Business Disputes
- Contractual Disputes
- Real Property Disputes
- Levying Property
- Small Business Litigation
- UCC – Sales of Goods
- Unfair Business Practices
- Personal Injury
Monroe County Cities We Serve
- Key West
- Key Colony Beach
- Layton
- Marathon
- Islamorada
- Big Coppitt Key
- Key Largo
- North Key Largo
- Duck Key
- Big Pine Key
- Cudjoe Key
- Stock Island
Insurance Law Attorney in Monroe County, FL
Is your insurance disputing or denying your claim without a justifiable reason? Consult with Florida Keys property damage attorney Michael Germain of Germain Law Group, P.A.. He has represented insurance companies for years and now he’s completely refocused his practice to helping solely the policyholder. His past experience gives him a unique insight into how insurance companies investigate claims and may be useful for your claim.
Call Germain Law Group, P.A. today at (813) 835-8888 to set up your first consultation as soon as possible. Germain Law Group, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater Monroe County area and adjacent counties such as Collier County, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and throughout the state of Florida.